As a huge BTS fan, watching Begins Youth felt like stepping into a world that was both familiar and completely new. The way this drama tied into the BU (BTS Universe) storyline was incredible-it gave so much depth and meaning to the characters we've come to love through BTS's music. But what truly touched me was how raw and real it felt.
The drama doesn't just explore the struggles of its seven protagonists; it brings to life the themes BTS has been singing about for years-mental health, societal pressure, broken families, and the weight of expectations. Watching it, I couldn't help but think about lyrics like "It's my fault that I can't hold on, it's my fault that my heart is bruised" from The Truth Untold. It felt like the drama was an extension of those emotions, showing us the stories behind the pain.
One scene that hit me the hardest was when Hwan said, "We were just kids. But the world made us grow up too fast." It reminded me so much of the way BTS has always spoken about the struggles of youth, from No More Dream to Spring Day. I could feel the heartbreak, the longing, and the hope all at once.
The cast did such a phenomenal job. Every single actor brought so much emotion to their role that I could feel their struggles as if they were my own. Hwan, in particular, broke my heart-his quiet strength, his guilt, and ultimately his sacrifice to save his friends were so moving. It made me think of Jin's Epiphany and the idea of loving yourself even in the hardest moments.
Even the production felt like it was made with ARMY in mind. The cinematography was breathtaking, with visuals that reminded me of BTS's music videos-like the lonely train station from Spring Day or the eerie stillness of I Need U. The soundtrack was hauntingly beautiful, perfectly capturing the bittersweet tone of the story.
And the ending... oh my gosh, the ending. When Hwan decided to go back in time to save everyone, even knowing it meant he'd be stuck in a loop, I couldn't stop crying. It was like watching someone embody the message of Love Yourself: sacrificing for others but at the cost of losing himself. It left me aching for Season 2, hoping we'll see these boys find the happiness and healing they deserve.
Begins Youth isn't just a drama-it's a love letter to youth, to struggle, and to hope. As an ARMY, I felt like it perfectly captured everything BTS stands for: facing your pain, finding your voice, and believing in the possibility of a better tomorrow. If you're a fan of BTS, you need to watch this. It's not just a story-it's an experience that will stay with you forever.
